Film: Conclave [2024] – Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow

Conclave is a mixed bag. It’s a great political thriller movie with the worst and most pointless twist at the end that ruins it.

As someone who lived thru 2 pope elections, I was interested in the drama behind it. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and others, the movie is about the conclave behind electing a new pope, and the politics behind it. You only need to focus on Fiennes and Tucci. The first delivers a great performance as the administrator of the conclave, while the latter pushes through the politics to shine in his supporting role. I just have a thing for Tucci.

In addition, hat’s off to one of the best scenes in the movie, delivered out of the blue by Isabella Rossellini. Hand’s down one of the best surprises in any movie this year.

Conclave is rich in suspense, character and chess-playing intricacy, affording the kind of elevated costume-drama entertainment that often feels more theatrical than Edward Berger manages. However, nothing is perfect.

As much as I enjoyed the chess game politics, I really didn’t understand the final twist in the last moments. We already got everything in, including a great conclusion and culmination. Did we really need that extra cherry on top? Nope. To be honest, it felt like something was being forced by the studio to say: Oh, we did that. I really didn’t like it.

Should you watch it?

One of the better movies this year with great performances that should be awarded. However, they need to get rid of the last scene for the digital release.

Where can I watch it?

Conclave is now playing in theaters.